The devastated parents of Fionntán McGarvey have said they will take comfort that his wish to donate his organs will provide other families with hope at their time of deep loss.
Police have launched a murder investigation after the 18-year old, who was allegedly assaulted in Belfast just after Christmas, died on Thursday.
The alleged incident occurred outside a bar on Finaghy Road North at around 1am on Monday, December 27.
A 21-year-old male was arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of murder and is currently being questioned, the PSNI added.
The police also released a statement on behalf of Fionntán’s parents, Lorcan and Aveen.
They said: “We are devastated to lose our beautiful son Fionntán but take comfort that his wish to donate his organs will provide other families with hope at our time of deep loss.
“The family is grateful for the many messages of sympathy and support we have received. We would ask for privacy at this most difficult time.”
Fionntán is also survived by his brothers Caolan and Daire, sister Sorcha, and wider family circle.
GAA and soccer clubs have also paid tribute to the popular and talented young player, who was a member of the U20 and Senior Football Panel at St Brigids GAC in South Belfast.
"The club passes on its condolences to Fionntan’s parents, Lorcan and Aveen, his brothers Caolan and Daire, and his sister, Sorcha."
A club spokesperson said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic passing of Fionntan McGarvey, a member of our U20 and Senior Football Panel.
The young man also played for Queen's University Belfast GAA.
In its tribute on Thursday, the club said: "It is with profound sadness that we learned this morning of the passing of Fionntan McGarvey, one of our Freshers players.
"We pass our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Fionntan’s friends, team mates, the St Brigid’s club, and most of all his family at this most difficult time. All Queen’s GAA activity will cease with immediate effect this evening."
Further tributes were issued on behalf of Aquinas FC to its former player.
The club said: "The committee, players and coaches of Aquinas FC wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family, teammates, and friends of our player Fionntan McGarvey. Fionntan was a member of our Senior and Under 19 teams having represented the club from age 7."
A spokesperson for Antrim GAA said: "Very sad news to bring you on the passing of Fionntan McGarvey. Shocking news for someone so young. We pass our condolences to his family, friends and everyone in their wider circle."
Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Phelan said police believe that Fionntán was assaulted outside the licensed premises around 1am on 27 December.
“Police attended and Fionntán was brought to hospital for treatment to his injuries. Tragically, despite treatment, he died this morning.
“I know there was a large number of people in the area at the time and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assault, or have any information to come forward.
“I am also appealing to anyone with mobile phone or dash-cam footage that could help with enquiries to contact police on 101 quoting reference 184 of 27/12/21.
“Any footage can be uploaded onto the Major Incident Public Portal at: at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI22R01-PO1.
“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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